#1: Racism: do you think it's going away in the US or making a comeback?

When I was 6, I never knew what racism. I went to a predominant white elementary school and I never really experienced racism from the kids until 1st Grade. I remember when it was black history month they never spent time to talk about it and the reason why we have it. They only talked about MLK and that was for 5 minutes. Anyways everybody would stare at me and the throughout the whole entire day. The kids kept asking me about my hair and then touching it without permission. I complained to the teachers about it and they just ignored me. There was one time I forgot to put lotion on and one boy asked me if I was trying to be white and that it would be better if I was (around 4th grade). After a while I began to hate myself and wish I was white. I realized what I was thinking was wrong so in 5th grade I told my dad to take me out of the school and I began a self love journey.

Now I go to a diverse middle school which I like.

I went to a laundry mat a few days ago with my family and by accident I took a mans basket. After returning it to him, he came up to my family saying "Do you speak English?" We answered yes and out of no where we hear "You f*****g thieves, why the hell did you touch my basket? We don't need you people in our country, you should've stuck to picking cotton!" The man left and of course we were mad as hell.

After that I was wondering if racism is making a comeback in a America and will it ever go away. I've dealt with racism a lot and its getting to the point where I think the US is putting a blind eye over racism and pretending it doesn't exists and slavery never happened.

I think things are better socially than in earlier days, but I do think that the African holocaust is downplayed in the U.S. for some reason.

It just seems odd that you can have a society where people were tortured for centuries and not expect to have any repercussions. Other peoples that have survived atrocities don't have that problem and unfortunately, it is because racism still exists.

I think things are better socially than in earlier days, but I do think that the African holocaust is downplayed in the U.S. for some reason.

It just seems odd that you can have a society where people were tortured for centuries and not expect to have any repercussions. Other peoples that have survived atrocities don't have that problem and unfortunately, it is because racism still exists.

Originally Posted by So_Jane

The reason the history is downplayed is 1) guilt, and more importantly 2) it shatters the myth of American exceptionalism: that the United States was founded on the highest ideals of freedom and respect for human rights.

But racism (and prejudice more broadly) will always exist, because it gratifies a need to feel superior to others. Bigotry feeds the insecure ego.

I'm not American, but yeah, racism seems to be in an inbetween zone (is it coming back or going away) right now.
At my school, we're not allowed to leave without going by a teacher who'd by the gate. I get stopped often and I'll be asked, "who are you going with?" and I'm like, "my mum," and point at her and....anyways, it's like they don't believe me. The other day, a teacher pulled me aside and was like, "who's that white lady you go home with?"
"My mum,"
"Is your dad, you know, black?"
"Yes,"
"He must be so black then, 'cause your mum's like so white!"
Blacks suck up to my mum round here (we live in Africa, at the moment (I'm moving in August)).

Blacks are racist to each other nowadays because I can be treated like trash then my mum walks up and those people who were treating me like that start acting all nice and stuff. It's like a 'you're white or you're trash' thing.

Another thing is that I can be ignored or treated like trash till I say a word. Once I do, they're like, "british?" (I'm mixed race).

I've met racists online too. I've been called a half-******, daughter of an ape, etc. I try to ignore it.

Racism will never die some are just better at hiding it. My friend who is half white was once called a n**** by a white woman and he calmly said "no technically I'm white like you my dad is white" that lady walked away frustrated and he was upset the rest of the day

I absolutely believe so. I am biracial and I experience it. I am 21 now, but when I was 15 in H.S a girl said to me: "I am not racist, but I do believe there is a difference between blacks and n******." One of the most ignorant statements I have ever encountered.

I absolutely believe so. I am biracial and I experience it. I am 21 now, but when I was 15 in H.S a girl said to me: "I am not racist, but I do believe there is a difference between blacks and n******." One of the most ignorant statements I have ever encountered.

Black people. My closest guess of a Black person is a person with African ancestry. Can be 100% or mixed out. Whatever. Usually stand up people.

Africans. Still. Great set of people. They ROCK!

Looking like either of these. Still Black in the US. Yeah we are so behind. But it is what is. Usually STILL great people.

Then you got *****s(ers). Ign'ant MFs. (yes. Ign'ant. Ignorant is not knowing better. Ign'ant is not CARING to know or do better.) I mean The people you hate to be around because they WILL make you look bad.

Every "race" has a derogatory term for the worst of their people. And though it didn't START as a separate term, but it has become just that.

As Chris Rock said "I LOVE Black people!! But I hate *****s!!"

I repeat this DAILY!!!!

Now people can get mad and say "we" are supposed to be loud, ghetto and ratchet as hell. But I don't think that's right.

I absolutely believe so. I am biracial and I experience it. I am 21 now, but when I was 15 in H.S a girl said to me: "I am not racist, but I do believe there is a difference between blacks and n******." One of the most ignorant statements I have ever encountered.

Originally Posted by Samanthascurlz

Sucks but when you get older, sometimes you DO learn the difference.

And I'm black so that's saying something.

Originally Posted by BlackAngelPlayah

I honestly believe that reinforcing something like that is going to continue judgement from other individuals- separating people into a positive category and a derogatory category.

I do understand your perspective; it is an african american individual who doesn't abide by the stereotypical heuristics that the media/society set out for them. However, then there is the stereotypical black individuals that further reinforce others to say, "Oh, typical n*****."

There are people who tell me, "You talk 'white'" and it makes me wonder that I don't fit the racial schemata of how they think black people should be. Thus, there is this category that others section off black people to act, dress, etc. I try to see others as one individual. For example, if I see a young black male with his pants down, and doesn't speak proper english (THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE) I don't want to stand there and think to myself: 'Now THAT'S a n*****' because I would be further putting ONE person in a negative category. I try to break that frame of mind because when you point your finger at someone, there are always three fingers pointing back at you.

Then you got *****s(ers). Ign'ant MFs. (yes. Ign'ant. Ignorant is not knowing better. Ign'ant is not CARING to know or do better.) I mean The people you hate to be around because they WILL make you look bad.

Every "race" has a derogatory term for the worst of their people. And though it didn't START as a separate term, but it has become just that.

As Chris Rock said "I LOVE Black people!! But I hate *****s!!"

I repeat this DAILY!!!!

Originally Posted by BlackAngelPlayah

And yet I still have a problem with some of my AA kin-folk calling themselves "n***ers"

The irish don't jokingly call each other "m**ks". My Jewish kin-folk don't call themselves "k**es". The Spanish don't affectionately call each other "s**cs". The Arabs don't call each other "box cutters" or ""sand n****ers", or other malicious labels others tag them with.

The Haitians don't call themselves "Haitian devils". Asians in general don't call themselves "g**ks" or "c***ks". Asian Natives of the US don't call themselves "red skins". ... I mean, why can't it be a simple fact that there are good and not so good blacks (like any other group)? How can anyone justify using a word for anyone black that was created w/the idea of beating, raping and hanging blacks from trees? ... And also, when some blacks use such a word all the time, including calling themselves that word, they absolutely lose any argument about keeping others from using it IMO. Especially when it's sometimes used abusively (not just affectionately) toward other blacks.

Then you got *****s(ers). Ign'ant MFs. (yes. Ign'ant. Ignorant is not knowing better. Ign'ant is not CARING to know or do better.) I mean The people you hate to be around because they WILL make you look bad.

Every "race" has a derogatory term for the worst of their people. And though it didn't START as a separate term, but it has become just that.

As Chris Rock said "I LOVE Black people!! But I hate *****s!!"

I repeat this DAILY!!!!

Originally Posted by BlackAngelPlayah

And yet I still have a problem with some of my AA kin-folk calling themselves "n***ers"

The irish don't jokingly call each other "m**ks". My Jewish kin-folk don't call themselves "k**es". The Spanish don't affectionately call each other "s**cs". The Arabs don't call each other "box cutters" or ""sand n****ers", or other malicious labels others tag them with.

The Haitians don't call themselves "Haitian devils". Asians in general don't call themselves "g**ks" or "c***ks". Asian Natives of the US don't call themselves "red skins". ... I mean, why can't it be a simple fact that there are good and not so good blacks (like any other group)? How can anyone justify using a word for anyone black that was created w/the idea of beating, raping and hanging blacks from trees? ... And also, when some blacks use such a word all the time, including calling themselves that word, they absolutely lose any argument about keeping others from using it IMO. Especially when it's sometimes used abusively (not just affectionately) toward other blacks.

Originally Posted by Korkscrew

As an Italian that is first generation American, we think nothing of using the term "Dago." It's "***" that is the more offensive term because it stands for Without Papers. Relevant to racism, things are definitely better than they were before the Civil Rights movement but unfortunately I do not see it going away. What does, however, irk me about some black people is that they want it both ways. It's OK for them to call any non-black on the carpet for using an AA slur but it's OK for them to use it. My philosophy has always been this: "If you want to chastise me for using a slur to the black race, that's fine. Well and good. Just remember, I'm holding you to the same standard if you use a white slur." I've always believed that racism knows no color. It's wrong no matter where it comes from. Then again, we will probably all be the same color some day and it's coming sooner than we think.

Then you got *****s(ers). Ign'ant MFs. (yes. Ign'ant. Ignorant is not knowing better. Ign'ant is not CARING to know or do better.) I mean The people you hate to be around because they WILL make you look bad.

Every "race" has a derogatory term for the worst of their people. And though it didn't START as a separate term, but it has become just that.

As Chris Rock said "I LOVE Black people!! But I hate *****s!!"

I repeat this DAILY!!!!

Originally Posted by BlackAngelPlayah

And yet I still have a problem with some of my AA kin-folk calling themselves "n***ers"

The irish don't jokingly call each other "m**ks". My Jewish kin-folk don't call themselves "k**es". The Spanish don't affectionately call each other "s**cs". The Arabs don't call each other "box cutters" or ""sand n****ers", or other malicious labels others tag them with.

The Haitians don't call themselves "Haitian devils". Asians in general don't call themselves "g**ks" or "c***ks". Asian Natives of the US don't call themselves "red skins". ... I mean, why can't it be a simple fact that there are good and not so good blacks (like any other group)? How can anyone justify using a word for anyone black that was created w/the idea of beating, raping and hanging blacks from trees? ... And also, when some blacks use such a word all the time, including calling themselves that word, they absolutely lose any argument about keeping others from using it IMO. Especially when it's sometimes used abusively (not just affectionately) toward other blacks.

Originally Posted by Korkscrew

As an Italian that is first generation American, we think nothing of using the term "Dago." It's "***" that is the more offensive term because it stands for Without Papers. Relevant to racism, things are definitely better than they were before the Civil Rights movement but unfortunately I do not see it going away. What does, however, irk me about some black people is that they want it both ways. It's OK for them to call any non-black on the carpet for using an AA slur but it's OK for them to use it. My philosophy has always been this: "If you want to chastise me for using a slur to the black race, that's fine. Well and good. Just remember, I'm holding you to the same standard if you use a white slur." I've always believed that racism knows no color. It's wrong no matter where it comes from. Then again, we will probably all be the same color some day and it's coming sooner than we think.

Originally Posted by bobby

The reason why blacks can use the n-word and no other race can is because its our way of turning the negative output of the original word and slavery into a 'positive' word.

When another race uses the n-word it basically takes out the 'fun' of it because you remind us what happened in the past. The only other race that I've seen use the n-word is Hispanics and I don't mind.

I also don't mind other races using the n-word just don't go up to a random black person and instantly call them that . You can use the n-word just do it around your black friends (any friends) unless you are referring to the er version.

Plus its just a word, you're really going to get mad because you can't say a word when blacks have been through some rough **** and they are still going through it today.

And yet I still have a problem with some of my AA kin-folk calling themselves "n***ers"

The irish don't jokingly call each other "m**ks". My Jewish kin-folk don't call themselves "k**es". The Spanish don't affectionately call each other "s**cs". The Arabs don't call each other "box cutters" or ""sand n****ers", or other malicious labels others tag them with.

The Haitians don't call themselves "Haitian devils". Asians in general don't call themselves "g**ks" or "c***ks". Asian Natives of the US don't call themselves "red skins". ... I mean, why can't it be a simple fact that there are good and not so good blacks (like any other group)? How can anyone justify using a word for anyone black that was created w/the idea of beating, raping and hanging blacks from trees? ... And also, when some blacks use such a word all the time, including calling themselves that word, they absolutely lose any argument about keeping others from using it IMO. Especially when it's sometimes used abusively (not just affectionately) toward other blacks.

Originally Posted by Korkscrew

As an Italian that is first generation American, we think nothing of using the term "Dago." It's "***" that is the more offensive term because it stands for Without Papers. Relevant to racism, things are definitely better than they were before the Civil Rights movement but unfortunately I do not see it going away. What does, however, irk me about some black people is that they want it both ways. It's OK for them to call any non-black on the carpet for using an AA slur but it's OK for them to use it. My philosophy has always been this: "If you want to chastise me for using a slur to the black race, that's fine. Well and good. Just remember, I'm holding you to the same standard if you use a white slur." I've always believed that racism knows no color. It's wrong no matter where it comes from. Then again, we will probably all be the same color some day and it's coming sooner than we think.

Originally Posted by bobby

The reason why blacks can use the n-word and no other race can is because its our way of turning the negative output of the original word and slavery into a 'positive' word.

When another race uses the n-word it basically takes out the 'fun' of it because you remind us what happened in the past. The only other race that I've seen use the n-word is Hispanics and I don't mind.

I also don't mind other races using the n-word just don't go up to a random black person and instantly call them that . You can use the n-word just do it around your black friends (any friends) unless you are referring to the er version.

Plus its just a word, you're really going to get mad because you can't say a word when blacks have been through some rough **** and they are still going through it today.

Originally Posted by BeautyisMiree

I disagree with this. If a black person uses the word n***** but yet a white person can't, where is the sense? We are once again fulfilling the heurstics that racism is built off of. It isn't just a word. It has negative connotations. Other people will hear that derogatory word and think, "If they can say it, why can't we?" It reminds me of the saying: 'Do as I say, not as I do.'

As an Italian that is first generation American, we think nothing of using the term "Dago." It's "***" that is the more offensive term because it stands for Without Papers. Relevant to racism, things are definitely better than they were before the Civil Rights movement but unfortunately I do not see it going away. What does, however, irk me about some black people is that they want it both ways. It's OK for them to call any non-black on the carpet for using an AA slur but it's OK for them to use it. My philosophy has always been this: "If you want to chastise me for using a slur to the black race, that's fine. Well and good. Just remember, I'm holding you to the same standard if you use a white slur." I've always believed that racism knows no color. It's wrong no matter where it comes from. Then again, we will probably all be the same color some day and it's coming sooner than we think.

Originally Posted by bobby

The reason why blacks can use the n-word and no other race can is because its our way of turning the negative output of the original word and slavery into a 'positive' word.

When another race uses the n-word it basically takes out the 'fun' of it because you remind us what happened in the past. The only other race that I've seen use the n-word is Hispanics and I don't mind.

I also don't mind other races using the n-word just don't go up to a random black person and instantly call them that . You can use the n-word just do it around your black friends (any friends) unless you are referring to the er version.

Plus its just a word, you're really going to get mad because you can't say a word when blacks have been through some rough **** and they are still going through it today.

Originally Posted by BeautyisMiree

I disagree with this. If a black person uses the word n***** but yet a white person can't, where is the sense? We are once again fulfilling the heurstics that racism is built off of. It isn't just a word. It has negative connotations. Other people will hear that derogatory word and think, "If they can say it, why can't we?" It reminds me of the saying: 'Do as I say, not as I do.'

Originally Posted by Samanthascurlz

Racism isn't built on words it's built on actions. The day blacks will stop saying n**** is when we are on the same playing field as whites.

As an Italian that is first generation American, we think nothing of using the term "Dago." It's "***" that is the more offensive term because it stands for Without Papers. Relevant to racism, things are definitely better than they were before the Civil Rights movement but unfortunately I do not see it going away. What does, however, irk me about some black people is that they want it both ways. It's OK for them to call any non-black on the carpet for using an AA slur but it's OK for them to use it. My philosophy has always been this: "If you want to chastise me for using a slur to the black race, that's fine. Well and good. Just remember, I'm holding you to the same standard if you use a white slur." I've always believed that racism knows no color. It's wrong no matter where it comes from. Then again, we will probably all be the same color some day and it's coming sooner than we think.

Originally Posted by bobby

Hey Bobby I believe you know more about your own Italian experience than I do. At the same time, this is tricky because I have had scads of Italian friends and classmates who became upset when hearing Italian racial slurs. Maybe there's some attitudinal variation based on region? As for the term "Dago", I have a feeling a few Italians practice the same double-standard that bothers you about some black ppl: using the term on themselves but getting upset when "non-members" use that derogatory term.

I totally agree that racist speech is racist speech, regardless of the source. ... As for the prospect of racism disappearing one day, do you recall Dr. Suess's story about the "Star-bellied Sneetches"? (Or other parables, like "Animal Farm" by Aldous Huxley.) Nevertheless, the jury is still out, for me anyway, because I still want to be guardedly optimism.

The reason why blacks can use the n-word and no other race can is because its our way of turning the negative output of the original word and slavery into a 'positive' word.

Originally Posted by BeautyisMiree

I would caution you about the word "we". Not all black ppl agree w/use of the word ******. Question for you: How, specifically, do you think using this word makes it positive? Please explain the specific benefit/s everyone gets from using it. (I've never received a reasonable answer to this question.) Thanks.

When another race uses the n-word it basically takes out the 'fun' of it because you remind us what happened in the past. The only other race that I've seen use the n-word is Hispanics and I don't mind.

What "fun" is there in calling yourself some word whites invented and used against your ancestors to justify enslaving, raping, beating and murdering them? I'm pretty sure my African ancestors would feel I were spoiling their "fun" by using the word ****** in any context.

I also don't mind other races using the n-word just don't go up to a random black person and instantly call them that . You can use the n-word just do it around your black friends (any friends) unless you are referring to the er version.

No, I don't get this. Not all "black" friends would agree w/this arbitrary attempt at linguistic micro-management.

Plus its just a word, you're really going to get mad because you can't say a word when blacks have been through some rough **** and they are still going through it today.

People get to say what they want. But there are consequences. As much as people want words not to matter, they just do. They carry enormous symbolic, historical and emotional weight. Words start wars and keep peace. And it's totally unrealistic to expect that everyone else but you (and your ethnic group) should and will keep from using a politically loaded word.

Racism isn't built on words it's built on actions.

Actually, racism is built on both.

The day blacks will stop saying n**** is when we are on the same playing field as whites.

I think the day certain blacks stop saying ****** is the day they will be showing they respect themselves more.

The reason why blacks can use the n-word and no other race can is because its our way of turning the negative output of the original word and slavery into a 'positive' word.

When another race uses the n-word it basically takes out the 'fun' of it because you remind us what happened in the past. The only other race that I've seen use the n-word is Hispanics and I don't mind.

I also don't mind other races using the n-word just don't go up to a random black person and instantly call them that . You can use the n-word just do it around your black friends (any friends) unless you are referring to the er version.

Plus its just a word, you're really going to get mad because you can't say a word when blacks have been through some rough **** and they are still going through it today.

Originally Posted by BeautyisMiree

I disagree with this. If a black person uses the word n***** but yet a white person can't, where is the sense? We are once again fulfilling the heurstics that racism is built off of. It isn't just a word. It has negative connotations. Other people will hear that derogatory word and think, "If they can say it, why can't we?" It reminds me of the saying: 'Do as I say, not as I do.'

Originally Posted by Samanthascurlz

Racism isn't built on words it's built on actions. The day blacks will stop saying n**** is when we are on the same playing field as whites.

Originally Posted by BeautyisMiree

I do have to say that both actions and words build off racism. That is like someone saying: "I am not racist, I just let two n****** in my house." How is that not derogatory? But you have your opinion and I have mine. But the next time a white, black, hispanic, Asian, etc. individual calls you a n***** don't get offended because it's just a word, right?

As an Italian that is first generation American, we think nothing of using the term "Dago." It's "***" that is the more offensive term because it stands for Without Papers. Relevant to racism, things are definitely better than they were before the Civil Rights movement but unfortunately I do not see it going away. What does, however, irk me about some black people is that they want it both ways. It's OK for them to call any non-black on the carpet for using an AA slur but it's OK for them to use it. My philosophy has always been this: "If you want to chastise me for using a slur to the black race, that's fine. Well and good. Just remember, I'm holding you to the same standard if you use a white slur." I've always believed that racism knows no color. It's wrong no matter where it comes from. Then again, we will probably all be the same color some day and it's coming sooner than we think.

Originally Posted by bobby

Hey Bobby I believe you know more about your own Italian experience than I do. At the same time, this is tricky because I have had scads of Italian friends and classmates who became upset when hearing Italian racial slurs. Maybe there's some attitudinal variation based on region? As for the term "Dago", I have a feeling a few Italians practice the same double-standard that bothers you about some black ppl: using the term on themselves but getting upset when "non-members" use that derogatory term.

I totally agree that racist speech is racist speech, regardless of the source. ... As for the prospect of racism disappearing one day, do you recall Dr. Suess's story about the "Star-bellied Sneetches"? (Or other parables, like "Animal Farm" by Aldous Huxley.) Nevertheless, the jury is still out, for me anyway, because I still want to be guardedly optimism.

Originally Posted by Korkscrew

Korkscrew, I can't speak for others but just speaking for myself, I don't get upset at all when I hear a non-Italian use the term "D***." The "W**" term, however, we consider the Italian version of the N-word because it means you came here illegally.

While I do not in any way condone racism, I also think the term "racist" has been cheapened because the term gets used way too frequently and as a means of convenience when someone is losing an argument. Just as an example, if I'm white and do not like President Obama, in some circles that makes me a racist. Or black gangster rappers can use lyrics about "kill the white dude" and no reprucussions are had but if a white country or rock artist says anything even remotely derogatory about another race and it's game over. All I'm saying is that regardless of what happened in the past we need to get away from the double standards.

Again, it'll be a long time if ever goes away. What bothers me most is that the term has been cheapened.